Electrochemistry: Redox Reactions

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Questions and Answers

In an electrochemical process, what role do redox reactions play?

  • They inhibit the flow of electrons, preventing energy conversion.
  • They facilitate the transfer of electrons, enabling energy conversion and chemical changes. (correct)
  • They maintain a constant voltage, ensuring reactions proceed without energy input.
  • They convert electrical energy directly into thermal energy.

What occurs during oxidation?

  • The oxidation number decreases, functioning as the oxidizing agent.
  • The substance gains electrons.
  • The oxidation number increases, functioning as the reducing agent. (correct)
  • The oxidation number remains constant.

In an electrolytic cell, how are electrons directed to move in a non-spontaneous direction?

  • By increasing the temperature to provide the necessary kinetic energy.
  • Through the concentration gradient between the electrodes.
  • Through the use of a catalyst that lowers the activation energy.
  • By applying an external voltage to force the electron flow. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the function of a galvanic cell?

<p>Converting chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous reactions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the energy flow differ between galvanic and electrolytic cells?

<p>Galvanic cells produce energy from spontaneous reactions, while electrolytic cells consume energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which electrode does oxidation occur in a galvanic cell, and what is its charge?

<p>Anode; negative. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do electrons flow in a galvanic cell?

<p>From the anode to the cathode through an external circuit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the salt bridge in a galvanic cell?

<p>To maintain charge balance by allowing ion flow between the half-cells. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Daniell cell (Zn-Cu cell), what happens at the anode?

<p>Zinc is oxidized to form zinc ions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of electrolytic cells but not of galvanic cells?

<p>They require an external energy source to operate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the discharge of a battery, what process occurs at the anode?

<p>Oxidation, where the anode material loses electrons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the movement of electrons within a battery that is powering a device?

<p>Electrons move from the anode to the cathode through a wire. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic of a primary battery?

<p>It is designed for single-use and cannot be recharged. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a mineral and an ore?

<p>An ore is a rock or mineral from which a metal or valuable element can be extracted economically, while a mineral is a naturally occurring inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the structure of a crystal?

<p>A solid material whose atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials are separated during the flotation process?

<p>Valuable minerals from unwanted gangue. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the flotation process, what makes the valuable minerals hydrophobic?

<p>Collectors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do frothers play in the flotation process?

<p>Stabilizing the bubbles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to CaCO3 when it undergoes thermal decomposition?

<p>It breaks down into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the process of obtaining iron from iron ore via smelting, what is the role of coke?

<p>It reacts with oxygen to remove it from the iron oxide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What are Redox Reactions?

Reactions where electrons are transferred between chemical species.

What is an Electrochemical Process?

A reaction where energy is released spontaneously and converted to electricity.

What is Oxidation?

The increase in oxidation number; involves losing electrons.

What is Reduction?

The decrease in oxidation number; involves gaining electrons.

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What is Oxidation Number?

Indicates the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share.

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What is a Galvanic Cell?

Converts chemical energy into electrical energy using spontaneous reactions.

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What is an Electrolytic Cell?

Converts electrical energy into chemical energy using non-spontaneous reactions.

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What is the Anode?

The electrode where oxidation occurs (loss of electrons).

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What is the Cathode?

The electrode where reduction occurs (gain of electrons).

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What is a Salt Bridge?

Maintains charge balance by allowing ion flow.

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What is a Primary battery?

A battery designed for single-use and cannot be recharged.

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What is a Secondary Battery?

Rechargeable batteries that can be restored using external electrical current.

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What is a Mineral?

An inorganic substance with a definite chemical composition and crystalline structure.

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What is an Ore?

Rock from which a metal can be extracted economically.

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What is an Alloy?

A mixture of two or more metals to enhance properties.

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What is an Amalgam?

An alloy of mercury with one or more metals.

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What is a Unit Cell?

The smallest repeating structural unit of a crystal lattice.

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What is a Crystal?

Solid with a highly ordered, repeating pattern of atoms, ions, or molecules.

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What is an Amorphous Solid?

A solid lacking a long-range ordered atomic structure.

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What is Flotation?

Used to separate valuable minerals from unwanted gangue based on surface properties.

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Study Notes

  • Electrochemistry involves redox reactions
  • Redox reactions involve oxidation and reduction.

Electrochemical Processes

  • Oxidation-reduction reactions release energy from spontaneous reactions, converting it into electricity.
  • Electrical energy can drive non-spontaneous reactions.

Oxidation

  • The oxidation number increases
  • Oxidation is the reducing agent

Reduction

  • The oxidation number decreases
  • Reduction is the oxidizing agent

Role of Electrons

  • Electrons lost in oxidation are gained in reduction
  • This maintains charge balance in the reaction.
  • Electron movement occurs through an external circuit in galvanic cells
  • This generates electric current.
  • In electrolytic cells, external voltage forces electrons to move non-spontaneously, driving a chemical reaction.

Oxidation Number

  • Oxidation number represents the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share.
  • Uncombined and free elements have an oxidation number of zero.
  • For simple ions, the oxidation number equals the charge.
  • Oxygen usually has an oxidation number of -2.
  • Hydrogen usually has an oxidation number of +1.
  • Oxidation numbers must be consistent with the overall charge of the molecule.
  • Fractional oxidation numbers are possible.

Galvanic Cell vs Electrolytic Cell

Feature Galvanic Cell Electrolytic Cell
Function Converts chemical energy into electrical energy Converts electrical energy into chemical energy
(spontaneous reaction) (non-spontaneous reaction)
Energy Flow Electrons move from anode to cathode via external circuit External power source forces electrons against natural direction
Reaction Type Spontaneous redox reaction (ΔG0)
Electrode Charge Anode (-), Cathode (+) Anode (+), Cathode (-)
Electron Flow Anode to cathode via external circuit External power source forces electrons from cathode to anode
Example Daniell Cell (Zinc is oxidized, copper reduced) Electrolysis of Water (splitting water with electricity)
Applications Batteries, fuel cells Electroplating, electrolysis (e.g., aluminum from bauxite)

Galvanic Cell Details

  • Converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions.
  • Energy Conversion: Transforms chemical energy into electrical energy.
  • Reaction Type: Uses spontaneous redox reactions.
  • External Energy: Does not need an external energy source to function.
  • Examples: Includes batteries and fuel cells.
  • Anode: Negative electrode
  • Cathode: Positive electrode

Electrolytic Cell Details

  • Change electrical energy by forcing non-spontaneous reactions.
  • Energy Conversion: Transforms electrical energy into chemical energy.
  • Reaction Type: Drives non-spontaneous redox reactions.
  • External Energy: Requires an external energy source.
  • Examples: Includes electrolysis of water and electroplating.
  • Anode: Positive electrode
  • Cathode: Negative electrode

Galvanic Cell Diagram Components

  • Anode (Zinc): Oxidation
    • Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
  • Cathode (Copper): Reduction
    • Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
  • Salt Bridge (KNO₃ or KCl): Maintains charge balance.
    • Anions move toward the anode.
    • Cations move toward the cathode.
  • Electrolyte Solutions (ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄)
    • ZnSO₄ provides Zn²⁺ ions.
    • CuSO₄ provides Cu²⁺ ions.

Working Principle

  • Electron Flow: Zn (anode) → External Circuit → Cu (cathode)
  • Ion Flow (Salt Bridge):
    • Negative ions move to anode (-).
    • Positive ions move to cathode (+).

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